KARACHI: The Federal Government has re­­vived the proposal to build a port in Baluch­is­tan and preliminary investigations by two Pa­­kistani firms are already underway. The firms ... are carrying out hydrographical and soil survey and observing the behaviour of tides at the six possible sites which are: Sonmiani, Pasni, Ormara, Hingol, Gadani and Gwadur.

The preliminary investigations are expected to be completed in about two years. It is likely that at a later stage the Government may invite foreign consultants who could be associated with the investigation work of the Pakistani firms. Both Pakistani and foreign firms had made some investigations at almost all the six sites. … Intensive surveys were later carried out, particularly by German and Japanese consultants. … The German and Japanese consultants had given a favourable report about Sonmiani and Ormara.

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from London,] Acting [IMF] Director Johannes Witteveen said here today [Jan 15] that the Fund should play a more active role in solving monetary problems caused by the energy crisis. In an address [he] … predicted massive imbalances of the international payments balance due to rising oil prices.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2024